Adam Whittington has been a well-known name around Marquette for quite some time. His performances in many local theatre productions and his 2009 album with the hit single “Get Gone,” has made Whittington someone the Upper Peninsula can be proud of.
Now he’s returning to Marquette to perform in this year’s “Marquette Goes Hollywood” concert on Friday, Dec. 9.
“The MACC Youth Theater was a key in helping me gain confidence as a singer and actor on stage,” Whittington said. “I want to be able to give back to them by putting on a concert to raise not just financial support, but awareness of what a great program Lake Superior Youth Theater is.”
The concert is being held as a fundraiser to support the youth theatre program in Marquette.
Doors open at 6:15 p.m. and there is a red carpet event starting at 6:30 p.m., where the crowd can see Whittington and other performers such as Brooklyn Haley arrive.
The concert begins at 7 p.m. and an after party meet and greet will go until 10:30 p.m.
Whittington said he wants to use this concert to give back to the community where he was born and raised.
Although he now resides in Los Angeles, he said he loves visiting his hometown of Ishpeming and seeing all the friendly faces.
“Marquette has been a great area for me to develop and mature as a person and performer,” Whittington said. “I’ve had many opportunities to perform at local events and gained a lot of experience working with different people.”
Marquette has always played a large role in Whittington’s life. He played Troy Bolton in the local theater’s production of “High School Musical,” and in 2010 he sang the national anthem at NMU basketball and hockey games.
“Marquette has been my launching pad, so to speak, in the music industry and into Los Angeles,” Whittington said. “Having my music played on local radio stations with great feedback has also been an amazing thing.”
He has a lot in his schedule for the 2012 year so far.
“I will be spending lots of time in the studio with producers, performing in Los Angeles and on tour in the southern California area,” Whittington said.
He is also scheduled to sing the National Anthem at the Angels MLB games for the 2012 season.
He also decided to pursue a career in acting and fully embrace his motto, “Dream big and live it.”
“I will continue working on my acting career with auditions already scheduled for January 2012,” Whittington said. “My dream is to continue performing, but to bring it up to the next level, which includes performing worldwide.”
Whittington said he has worked very hard to get to where he is today, and he has some advice for people who are also hoping to someday live their dreams.
“Appreciate your family and community support. Don’t let yourself or others limit what you can achieve,” Whittington said. “Most importantly, be sure you are not just looking out for yourself and your career, but help others fulfill their dreams as you are moving forward to fulfill yours. Have fun and love what you do.”
Whittington’s manager and mother, Teresa Ann Whittington, also is thankful for Adam’s hometown and community support.
“Adam has been so fortunate to have great community support. That support has given him the confidence and great motivation to make his hometown and the Upper Peninsula proud,” Teresa said.
She said she also realizes the importance of this concert for the Marquette community.
“For him to be able to give back to his community by putting on a concert-fundraiser to support the Lake Superior Youth Theatre gives him a chance to give back to what has helped him,” Teresa said. “It’s also another avenue to promote Marquette as the awesome city that it is and show how it supports youth in the entertainment field.”
Tickets for “Marquette Goes Hollywood” are on sale now. They are available for purchase at Second Skin Shop, Frei Chevrolet, Elaine’s Place and online at
Tickets are $10 for a single and $25 for a family of 2 adults and 2 children. Tickets are also available at the door for $12 for a single and $30 for a family.
